More than 240,000 immigrants are expected to arrive in Canada this year. Many will settle in the GTA. For some, their dreams may take years to build. For others, those dreams may never materialize.

To explore that experience, the Star is publishing an occasional series in the words of newcomers, both recent and more established. If you would like to tell your story, email
dzblack@thestar.ca

Linda Liu, a 36-year-old chartered accountant from Langfang City in northern China, came to Canada with her husband, Kevin Yang, and a young son, Michael, in June 2011. Liu, who was admitted under the federal Skilled Worker Program, had worked for PetroChina Company Ltd. Her husband was a pipeline engineer with the company. The couple settled in Markham, buying a home shortly after they arrived.

Liu, who has a master’s degree in accounting from Renmin University in Beijing, came here because of China’s one-child policy. She and her husband wanted more than one child. That wish has been fulfilled, and she now also has a 5-month-old baby girl, Claire. She says of her chosen career: “I spent my life learning accounting. I’m good with numbers.”

Following is an edited version of a conversation with her.

Q:
What happened when you arrived in Canada?

A:
In the beginning, we weren’t sure if we would like it here. It’s a totally different environment, different people, country, culture. After five months, we went back to China for Chinese New Year and I had to take a (Certificate of General Accounting) exam. I passed most of the exams in two years and I had one left.

Q:
What was your first impression of Toronto?

A:
My first impression of Toronto was a very beautiful summer. The humans and animals were in harmony in the same environment. At first I had a home stay, at a Chinese lady’s house. Before we woke up we heard the birds singing; the birds always woke us up. We saw squirrels everywhere. And a rabbit.

Q:
What did you think when you saw winter?

A:
I went back to China that year, so I didn’t spend that much time that winter. But last year we spent a whole year here (with) a lot of snow. My husband, he likes a cold climate. He doesn’t like a hot, humid climate like Shanghai. My son loves snow very much. He likes to make snowmen.

Q:
Can you get a job in accounting here, or do you have to take more courses?

A:
First, accounting principles are similar. I could apply for an accounting job. I have to transfer my CGA designation to Ontario. And because I don’t know the law, the whole law, I need to finish a law exam. If I don’t hold CGA designation, I can apply for a job related to accounting. If I have CGA designation, I will have more opportunity.

Q:
How would you sum up your experience in Canada? What was the worst experience?

A:
People here mostly have been kind. But no country is perfect. As a newcomer we didn’t know the rules about the country. I experienced something not really good. When I applied for a credit card I was refused. I don’t know why. I have no bad record in this country. There was a mistake. I lived in a home stay and a lot of people stayed in the same house. There was a man, not a lady, had a similar name as me.

Q:
The bank got them confused?

A:
Yes . . . After about two or three months, finally they corrected my credit history.

Q:
Have you faced discrimination here?

A:
People here are all very polite. They respect others. Canada is multicultural. And people are from different countries . . . so they can understand the situation and feeling.

Q:
What was the best experience for you since you arrived?

A:
Actually, the whole process (immigrating here, living here, getting acquainted with the culture and society) is a good experience.

Q:
What would you advise other immigrants?

A:
They should prepare — in the mind or in savings — prepare to come here. The second thing: improve your English. And people must involve themselves in the community positively. Some people come here and stay home and watch TV of their home country. They know everything happening in their home country, but they don’t know what’s happening in Toronto. Don’t do that . . . Get your credit history; check your credit history. People should be open, open to learn.

Correction - July 3, 2013:
This article was edited from a previous version that misidentified Linda Liu's husband and son. Kevin Yang is her husband and Michael is her son.

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